How to level the capital playing field. CEPS Commentary, 23 September 2010

Abstract

It is well known that China accumulates vast quantities of foreign exchange reserves as part of its strategy for 'steering' the yuan exchange rate, and that it prevents the US, Japan or the European Central Bank from retaliating by prohibiting foreigners from investing in any significant yuan assets. One solution that would not break any international commitments would be for the US and Japan to declare that they will henceforth only allow the sale of their public debt to countries whose public debt US and Japanese residents are also allowed to buy and hold.